Cat Eye Makeup Applicator

ABSTRACT

A cat eye makeup applicator with a handle and a cat eye stamping member having a base portion for detachable connection to the handle and having left-side and right-side, mirror image stamping surfaces for transferring eyeliner to a user&#39;s skin and creating perfect, symmetrical cat eyes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/899,757, filed Nov. 4, 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This patent application relates generally to cosmetic tools and, moreparticularly, a cat eye makeup applicator that comprises a handle and acat eye stamping member.

Description of the Related Art

Eyeliner is a cosmetic, or form of makeup, that is commonly used bywomen to visually define their eyes. It draws attention to the eyes, andcan even enhance or change the apparent shape of the eyes. Eyeliner isprovided in various forms (e.g. liquid, paste, or gel) and in variouscolors (e.g. black, brown, gray, bright colors, etc.). Eyeliner isapplied fully or partially above, below, or around the eyes as desired,and in various thicknesses, as desired, to achieve the desired effect.

Eyeliner is usually applied by hand using an applicator in the form of apen, a pencil, or a brush. A pencil having a soft core of eyeliner iscommonly used to form a less intense application that, if desired, maybe smudged with the user's fingers. A pen is usually used to apply athinner, darker line. A brush is used to apply eyeliner after dippingthe brush in a bottle of liquid eyeliner or swabbing the brush against acontainer of gelatinized eyeliner.

When applied above the eyes, eyeliner is applied to the inside and/oroutside of the user's upper eyelids near the upper lash. When appliedbelow the eyes, eyeliner is applied to the inside and/or outside of theuser's lower eye lids, near the lower lash. When applied around the eyesit usually but not always extends from the inside corner to the outsidecorner, both above and below the eyes. On occasion, the eyeliner isextended beyond the outside corner of the eyes to form what is sometimescalled a “wing” or, more commonly, a “cat eye.”

A typical cat eye has a thicker base portion with a tapering extension,or wing, that extends outward at a desired angle and in straight orcurved fashion. The overall cat eye can be large, small, curved,natural, or dramatic, to name but a few possible descriptions.

The cat eye style of eye makeup is best described as an extension of theeyeliner on the top of the eye drawn out past the outer corner of theeye to a pointed shape. There is an infinite combination of shape,length, width and angle, all of which are personal preference for theindividual. Cat eye makeup has been in fashion throughout the ages, oneof the most recognizable and famous examples being Cleopatra. Cat eyemakeup can be seen on Hollywood legends like Elizabeth Taylor, MarilynMonroe, Sophia Loren and Raquel Welch, as well as contemporary singerssuch as Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Katy Perry.

If the user wants the eyeliner to include cat eyes, they aretraditionally applied in a freehand manner as with the rest of theeyeliner. When doing it by hand, it is difficult to keep both cat eyesidentical and get the desired shape. It takes a great deal of skillbecause the left and right cat eyes must be symmetrical, and becausethere is a certain point that you need to start applying each cat eyeand another point that, as you move, you need to “wing” it whiledistancing the applicator from the user's face to narrow the stroke. Itis especially challenging for somebody that is applying eyeliner aroundtheir own eyes.

Making one perfect cat eye, much less two identical and perfectly formedcat eyes, can be challenging for a professional and is even moreintimidating and daunting for the average person who is not trained inmakeup techniques. It can be challenging to make symmetrical cat eyesbecause the length of the cat eye tail must be the same on both eyes,the angle of the cat eye must be the same on both eyes, and the varyingwidth of the cat eye must be the same at all points on both eyes. Theinventor has many clients that do not even attempt to do their own cateyes.

There remains a need, therefore, for a cat eye makeup applicator thatresolves these difficulties and makes cat eyes accessible for everyone,i.e. for a cat eye makeup applicator that simplifies the application cateye makeup and makes it uniform and easy for everyone to master.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood in connection with a detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments and the following figures.

FIG. 1a show a user holding a cat eye makeup applicator 10 comprised ofa handle 20 and a cat eye stamping member 30 according to a firstpreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1b is a close-up view of the cat eye makeup applicator 10 of FIG.1, showing a distal end 21 of the handle 20 and its cat eye stampingmember 30 having a left-side cat eye stamp 33L and a right-side cat eyestamp 33R;

FIGS. 2 to 3 show the user dipping the right-side cat eye stamp 33R ofthe cat eye stamping member 30 into a liquid eyeliner inkpad 50;

FIG. 4 shows the liquid eyeliner on the rubber stamp part of theright-side cat eye stamp 33R of the cat eye stamping member 30;

FIG. 5 shows the user placing the right-side cat eye stamp 33R onto theoutside corner of her right eye, liquid liner face down touching theskin, pressing slightly;

FIG. 6 shows the user moving the cat eye applicator 10 away from herface to reveal a perfect right-side cat eye shape 43R;

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the outline of the cat eye shape 43R leftby the cat eye applicator 10 on the right eye, the cat eye shape 43Rhaving an inside edge 44R;

FIGS. 8 to 9 show the user using a liquid eyeliner pen 50 to draweyeliner 53R from the stamped cat eye shape 43R, across the eye, tocomplete the look on the right eye;

FIG. 10 shows the finished look of the user's right eye closed;

FIG. 11 shows the finished look of the user's right eye open, side view;

FIG. 12 show the finished look of the user's right eye open, front view;

FIG. 13 shows the user dipping the left-side cat eye stamp 33L locatedon the other side of the cat eye stamping member 30 of the cat eyeapplicator 10 into the liquid eyeliner inkpad 50;

FIG. 14 shows the user placing the left-side cat eye stamp 33L onto theouter corner of her left eye and pressing slightly;

FIG. 15 shows eyeliner now in place on the outside corner of her lefteye in the form of a perfect left-side cat eye shape 43L having an inneredge 44L;

FIG. 16 shows the user using a liquid eyeliner pen 50 to draw eyeliner53L from the edge 44L of the stamped cat eye shape 43L at the outsidecorner of her left eye, across her eyelid, to the inside corner of hereye;

FIG. 17 shows both eyes after using the cat eye makeup applicator 10 toapply the left-side and right-side cat eye shapes 43L, 43R, and afterapplication of additional eyeliner 53L, 53R using an eyeliner pen 50;

FIGS. 18 to 21 show a first preferred prototype embodiment of the cateye makeup applicator 10; and

FIGS. 22 to 23 show examples of additional shapes for use with The cateye applicator.

FIG. 24a shows a second preferred cat eye makeup applicator 210comprised of a handle 220 having a distal end 221 with a supportextension 222 and a detachable stamping member 230 having a base portion241 with a sleeve 242 and a neck 243;

FIG. 24b shows the stamping member 230 affixed to the handle 220 withthe handle's support extension 222 inside of the stamping member'ssleeve 242;

FIG. 25a shows a third, presently preferred cat eye makeup applicator310 comprised of a handle 320 having a distal end 321 with a concentricpair of support extensions 322, 323 and a cat eye stamping member 330having a base portion 341 with a sleeve 342 and a neck 343;

FIG. 25b shows the stamping member 330 affixed to the handle 320 withthe handle's broader support extensions 322 inside of the stamp member'ssleeve 342, and with the handle's narrower support extension 323 insideof the stamping member's neck 343 for added support;

FIG. 26 shows the left and right side of the detachable cat eye stampingmember 330, with molded-in indicia “L” and “R” indicating which side ofthe stamping member is facing the user; and

FIG. 27 shows a set of fourth preferred cat eye makeup applicators 310,each comprised of a handle 420 and a cat eye stamping member 430.1,430.2, 430.3, 430.4, or 430.5 formed of rigid plastic (e.g.polyethylene) and having differently shaped cat eye stamps;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a cat eye makeup applicator, a new toolfor easily and repeatedly making perfect, symmetrical cat eyes, everytime, making cat eye eyeliner accessible for everyone.

A cat eye makeup applicator according to this invention is ideal forprofessional makeup artists because it is fast and efficient. Althoughthe inventor has been a professional celebrity makeup artist for overten years, she still finds it challenging to perfectly draw cat eyeswith symmetry. Time and time again, in movies, television, and even onthe red carpet, she has seen the clients of others makeup artists withdramatically different cat eyes on each eye. It can be awkward andembarrassing for the client. The cat eye applicator is also perfect forcontinuity in films and television because it is always the same. Ittakes out the error aspect of using conventional freehand techniques todraw cat eyes by stamping it on for you. The cat eye makeup applicatoris great for photo shoots and fashion shows because it is fast andefficient to quickly and easily stamp on the cat eyes for all of themodels.

A cat eye applicator according to this invention is also perfect for anyindividual who wants the cat eye look. It makes it easy for the consumerto stamp the cat eye shape onto their own eye - making it perfect eachand every time. The various shapes available for the stamping member ofthe cat eye applicator gives the consumer a variety of different looksto choose from, classic and sophisticated or outrageous and crazy fun.Makeup should be fun. It allows for the person wearing it to have theirown certain look that they always want to maintain and it allows them toexpress their individuality and playfulness through makeup. A cat eyeapplicator is the perfect way to let the user individualize theirmakeup, or make a statement, or stand out.

A cat eye makeup applicator according to this invention can take on anumber of different forms, and several exemplary embodiments aredescribed herein.

FIG. 1a shows a user holding a first preferred cat eye makeup applicator10. As shown in the figures and described below, the illustrated cat eyemakeup applicator 10 broadly comprises a handle 20 and a cat eyestamping member 30.

As best shown in the close-up view of FIG. 1 b, the cat eye applicator10 comprises a handle 20 with a distal end 21, and a cat eye stampingmember 30 located at the distal end. The preferred handle 20 is made ofdurable plastic, but any suitable material(s) may be used alone or incombination with one another. The preferred cat eye stamping member 30is comprised of a base portion 31 and at least one stamping surface 33having a desired shape. The base portion 31, here a rigid substrate,provides a left-side stamp support and a right-side stamp support.Focusing on the right-side, the preferred cat eye makeup applicator 10has a cat eye stamping member 30 that comprises a base portion 31 with aright-side stamp support, and a right-side stamping surface 33Rsupported by a—foam core 32R. In this first embodiment, the right-sidestamping surface is a rubber surface that is supported by the foam core.

As shown, however, the cat eye stamping member 30 has a left side and aright side stamping surface 33L, 33R that are mirror images of oneanother, making overall applicator easily reversible so that it can beused for the left eye and then simply turned over and used for the righteye. And, in more detail, the base portion 31, here a rigid substrate,is sandwiched between left and right foam cores 32L, 32R that, in turn,support left and right-side stamping surfaces 33L, 33R, here rubbersurfaces.

The stamp surfaces 33L, 33R can be easily cleaned before each use with agentle cleanser, soap and water or alcohol wipes. The cat eye makeupapplicator 10 is easy to use and gives everyone the ability to createthe perfect cat eye look, anytime and anywhere.

A presently preferred method of using the first preferred cat eye makeupapplicator 10 is as follows:

Right Eye

FIGS. 2 to 3 show the user dipping the right-side stamping surface 33Rof the cat eye makeup applicator 10 into an inkpad 50 of liquid eyelinerin preparation for applying the stamping surface 33R to the outsidecorner of her right eye. FIG. 4 shows the liquid eyeliner on the rubbersurface of the right-side stamping surface 33R of the cat eye makeupapplicator 10, ready for application.

FIG. 5 shows the user placing the stamping surface 33R onto the outsidecorner of her right eye, liquid liner face down touching the skin,pressing slightly.

FIG. 6 shows the user moving the cat eye applicator 10 away from herface to reveal the outline of the right-side cat eye shape 43R.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the outline of the cat eye shape 43R leftby the cat eye applicator 10 on the right eye. As shown, the resultingcat eye shape 43R has an inner edge 44R that must be extended withadditional eyeliner.

FIGS. 8 to 9 show the user using a liquid eyeliner pen 50 to draw asegment 53R of additional eyeliner from the stamped shape 43R, acrossthe eye, to complete the look on the right eye.

FIG. 10 shows the finished look of the user's right eye closed, with thestamped cat eye shape 43R blended into the segment 53R.

FIG. 11 shows the finished look of the user's right eye open, side view.

FIG. 12 show the finished look of the user's right eye open, front view.

Left Eye

The process is now repeated for the user's left eye. FIG. 13 shows theuser dipping the left-side stamping surface 33L of the cat eyeapplicator 10 into the liquid eyeliner ink pad 50.

FIG. 14 shows the user placing the left-side stamping surface 33L ontothe outer corner of her left eye and pressing slightly.

FIG. 15 shows the left-side cat eye shape 43L now in place on theoutside corner of her left eye. The resulting cat eye shape 43L has aninner edge 44L that, as before, must be extended with additionaleyeliner.

FIG. 16 shows the user using a liquid eyeliner pen 50 to draw a segment53L from the left-side cat eye shape 43L at the outside corner of herleft eye, across her eyelid, to the inside corner of her eye.

Finished

FIG. 17 shows both eyes after using the cat eye applicator 10, with theperfect, symmetrical cat eye shapes 43L, 43R blended into the segments53L, 53R.

First Preferred Embodiment

FIGS. 18 to 21, best viewed in conjunction with Figure lb, show a firstpreferred prototype embodiment of the cat eye makeup applicator 10 fromvarious sides. As shown, the cat eye makeup applicator 10 comprises ahandle 20 having a distal end 21, and a cat eye stamping member 30attached to the distal end 21 of the handle 20. The cat eye stampingmember 30 comprises a left-side cat eye stamp or stamping surface 33Land a right-side cat-eye stamp or stamping surface 33R on an oppositeside. The two stamping surface 33L, 33R are mirror images of one anotherso that the cat eye makeup applicator 10 can be reversed for applyingleft and right-side cat eyes and so that when one cat eye stampingsurface is being applied to the user's eyes, the opposite side stampingsurface functions as a placement guide.

Other Stamp Shapes

FIGS. 22 to 23 show examples of additional shapes for use with the cateye makeup applicator 10. In the presently preferred embodiment, asdiscussed below, differently shaped cat eye stamping members 30 will beprovided for detachable use with one or more handles 20.

Other Embodiments

In an alternative embodiment, the handle 20 is detachable so that theconsumer can easily use a variety of cat eye shapes by interchanging thestamps 30 onto the handle. Any suitable method of attachment may beused, but the presently preferred methods involve a friction fitconnection or a threaded connection.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 24a and 24b illustrate a second preferred embodiment of a cat eyemakeup applicator 210 comprised of a handle 210 and a cat eye stampingmember 230. Here, however, the stamping member 230 is detachable fromthe handle 220. In more detail, the preferred handle 210 is formed of arigid material (metal, plastic, etc.) and a distal end 221 of the handle220 is provided with a support extension 222.

The cat eye stamping member 230, like the first embodiment, hasleft-side and right-side stamping surfaces 233L (opposite side) and 233R(shown). In this embodiment, however, the overall cat eye stampingmember 230 is generally formed from a common material that is soft andelastic, preferably silicone rubber, so that the stamping surfacecompresses against the user's face to thoroughly transfer eyeliner tothe user's skin from substantially the entire surface of the stampingsurface. In other words, there is no need for separate stamp supportsmade of foam.

For detachable connection to the handle 220, the second preferred cateye stamping member 230 comprises a tip portion (having the left andright-side stamping surfaces) and a base portion 241 comprised of asleeve 242 and a neck 243. As best shown in FIG. 24b , the sleeve 242 ispressed onto the support extension 222 to attach the stamping member 230to the handle 220.

In this embodiment, and others, the handle 220 extends at a right anglefrom the cat eye stamping member 30 so there is never a question at whatangle the cat eye makeup applicator 210 needs to be oriented. Thus, allyou have to do is hold the handle 220 straight up and down and then lineup to the cat eye stamping member with the outer corner of the eye.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 25a and 25b illustrate a cat eye makeup applicator 310 accordingto a third preferred embodiment that is similar to the second, thedifference being that the handle 320′s distal tip 321 comprises not justone, but two concentric support extensions 322, 323.

For detachable connection to the handle 320, the third preferred cat eyestamping member 330 comprises a tip portion (having the left andright-side stamping surfaces) and a base portion 341 comprised of asleeve 342 and a neck 343. As best shown in FIG. 25b , the sleeve 342 ispressed onto the handle 320 such that the support extensions 322, 323extend into corresponding internal channels (not separately numbered)within the stamping member 330. The second support extension 323 isuseful for supporting the relatively flexible neck 343 of a stampingmember 330 formed of silicone

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 27 shows a set of fourth preferred cat eye makeup applicators 310,each comprised of a handle 420 and a cat eye stamping member 430.1,430.2, 430.3, 430.4, or 430.5 formed of rigid plastic (e.g.polyethylene, nylon, etc.), each cat eye stamping member having adifferently shaped cat eye stamps. The set could comprise one handle foreach stamping member, as shown, or one handle and a plurality ofdifferent stamping members that are connected to that one handle asneeded.

The stamping members 430.1 etc. may be friction fit connected to thehandle 420, with a suitable threaded arrangement, or through othermeans.

Even other embodiments may feature suitable indicia to clearly indicatethat the “left” or “right” side of the cat eye stamp 30 is facing theuser. FIG. 26, for example, shows the left and right side of thedetachable cat eye stamping member 330 with molded-in indicia “L” and“R” indicating which side of the stamping member is facing the user.

1-30. (canceled)
 31. A cat eye makeup applicator for applying eyelinerto a user's face in the form of left-side and right-side cat eyeextensions comprising: an elongated handle having a longitudinal axis;left-side and right-side stamping members supported by the elongatedhandle, the left-side and right-side stamping members configured forproviding opposing left-side and right-side cat eye stamping surfacesfor applying eyeliner to an outside corner of the user's left and righteyes, respectively, without applying eyeliner across central and innerportions of the user's eyelids, the left-side and right-side cat eyestamping surface being continuous surfaces, each having an asymmetricshape comprising a base area adapted to conform to an outside corner ofthe user's eye without extending across central and inner cornerportions of the user's eyelids and a single tapering section extendinglaterally outwardly and upwardly from the base area when the base areais position on the outside corner of the user's eye, the taperingextension tapers from a larger width adjacent the base area to aterminal pointed end, and the left-side stamping surface and right-sidestamping surface being mirror images of one another and wherein wheneither of the stamping surfaces is placed proximate the outer corner ofthe user's eye, the opposing stamping surface is visible and serves as aplacement guide to properly position the stamp on the outer corner ofthe eye prior to making contact therewith.
 32. The cat eye makeupapplicator of claim 31 wherein the left-side and right-side cat eyestamping surfaces are provided on left-side and right-side cat eye stampsupports which are soft to allow the left-side and right-side cat eyestamping surfaces to compress slightly when pressed against the user'sskin and thoroughly transfer eyeliner to the user's skin fromsubstantially the entire surface of the left-side and right-side cat eyestamping surfaces.
 33. The cat eye makeup applicator of claim 32 whereinthe stamp supports and the stamping surfaces comprise a common material.34. The cat eye makeup applicator of claim 33 wherein the commonmaterial is a soft elastic material.
 35. The cat eye makeup applicatorof claim 34 wherein the soft elastic material is silicone rubber. 36.The cat eye makeup applicator of claim 33 wherein the common material isa rigid, self-supporting material.
 37. The cat eye makeup applicator ofclaim 36 where the rigid, self-supporting material is polyethyleneplastic.
 38. The cat eye makeup applicator of claim 31 furthercomprising indicia indicating the left-side and right-side stampingsurface.
 39. The cat eye makeup applicator of claim 38 wherein theindicia comprises the letters “L” and “R”.
 31. The cat eye makeupapplicator of claim 31 wherein the left-side stamping surface faces awayfrom the elongated handle and the right-side stamping surface faces awayfrom the elongated handle on an opposite side of the elongated handle.40. The cat eye makeup applicator of claim 40 wherein the left-sidestamping surface faces substantially transversely away from thelongitudinal axis on one side of the elongated handle and the right-sidestamping surface faces substantially transversely away from thelongitudinal axis on an opposite side of the elongated handle.